In just 12 days. 
I was certain spring was on its way. 
"In the winter of our doubt there came the hope of spring." 
And then there was the cougars. Stuck at BYU for our "spring break." I do not understand why we must torture ourselves here - I am sure it is their way of making us "endure to the end." Now I am stuck in Provo - all of my spinning friends are gone to disneyland with their kids, Takael is in disneyland, and I am lying in my bed longing for a magical day by Cinderellas castle. Since the first time my Dad walked me down main street eating a caramel apple - I was in love with the magic kingdom. Now it seems as if everyone in my family has moved on from this stage - but not me.
The last time I was at Disneyland was for grad night. I couldn't help but share these pictures. They make me laugh so hard. Half of these boys are spread across the world - and the girls are all trying to figure life out still. It seems like things have changed so much - yet they haven't.
I love this picture. Not sure what I am doing.
And last but certainly not least - words can't describe this. Mom - seriously? We had matching MIRAGE outfits - from the Vegas resort. Only my Mom. Most kids would have matching primary shirts on. Not the Staples children. The best part is me crying, Derek being Mom's perfect child as always, and Katie's high tops - it describes us so well.
Saturday was Kourtney's birthday. We went to Salt Lake and looked at all the cute shops - and mostly shopped at Nordstrom Rack. We ate at Cheesecake Factory and put on at least 5 pounds! (and no that is not my baby!)
My new fav dessert - thanks to Kourt's suggestion - Strawberry Shortcake!
On Sunday I threw Kourtney a surprise Birthday party! It turned out to be an absolute hit! We had at least 50 people in our SMALL family room at kitchen. It was a squeeze but it was fun.
Kourt was totally surprised! We welcomed her with sparklers and a cake - thanks to Jessie!
Even Sister Gygi and Kelsey showed for the big event!
Tak made these adorable cupcakes!
Since we are running a little low on funds in college - we used our room decorations for the party. We took all of Kourts pictures out and BAM! We have a party.
We all have pretty bright rooms so it worked out great.
Me and Suz!
Love these girls!
Kourt and Branson
Jessie and her cute boy Cameron.
Melissa arrived just in time for the partay! She is participating in a "scholarship program" this week - and spent the night with us on Sunday. I think she was a little overwhelmed.
Sister Gygi gave Kourtney grandma panties - don't ask - long story!
Me and Missa!
Jordan got back in to town just in time. Stephen opened his call this weekend - he is going to COLUMBIA! Jordan will open his this week!
The roomies! This year has been the best year ever. I am so grateful for all of the girls in my life. I just love and adore my friends so much and look forward to another year of exciting events!
The two of us were inseparable - we were partners in crime!
Our Mom's thought it was necessary to put us in matching outfits. We didn't think clothes were so necessary. It all started with banging our hands on the toilet. For some reason we found the noise fascinating at a young age.
From there it turned in to tipping over plants.
And driving cars...naked. Is this legal to post on a blog? I debated - but this picture is so classic I know my Mom would never forgive me if I didn't include it.
And then there was washing cars.
We then moved up to the Flinestone cars - Our mothers felt it necessary to clothe us at this age. We thought it was dumb.
And then it was the big leagues - POWER WHEELS. Once - we packed up the back of our jeeps - I gave mine a good wash - windexing the microphone and all (the mic didn't taste so good after that) and "ran away" I am sure we made it to our fort up the street - but it was a good learning curve for us. So, from push cars naked, to flinestone cars, to power wheels, and eventually our own cars Michael and I have gone through EVERY stage together. He was the twin I never had. 
But now he is going out on his own - to do something I can't do right now. He will have to get a new companion - or two. He is getting his own wheels and leavin me behind - he is SERVING A MISSION IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON!
I've never been more proud of my little buddy! 
Here is my first project from intermediate sewing. I am pretty proud of it - but my Professor thinks it is only A- quality. To that I say - excuse me I even made the plaids go around my body in an orderly fashion AND added the patches on the shoulders. I will probably BARELY pull a B in this class. It is kicking my butt - but at the end of the day I can't help but love it.
Tonight was a shameful night. For the first time at BYU I feel as if I am a participant in that terrible awful (but oh so true) movie Singles Ward. Just call me Kirby. Last night I was drug into singing in our stakes "Spring Sing - Disney Style." I should have said no based on the name. But fortunately the people that were doing it in our ward are totally fun - and normal. 
We threw together a cute totally cheesy little song mocking BYU culture. It was about 3 minutes long. Tops. We thought it was great - we even had costumes. We made up a song to a Hercules song - hence the Togas. 
As we sat waiting for out turn we were quickly alarmed. The 2 wards ahead of us had a 10 minute broadway play including a script, choreographed dance moves, musical insturments, harmony, wireless microphones, sewn nemo costumes, props, over 100 ward participants, cheer stunts, solos, emotional parts, edited music from a studio, light shows, the WHOLE deal. 
And then there was our ward. We had a total of 9 participants from our ward. Our costumes consisted of sheets from our bed and leaves from our home decor. We were totally off key. You couldn't hear us. Basically we sucked. We had a 3 minute song - no lines, no props. I think we had 6 members from our ward in attendance to watch. Suz, Jesse (thanks for the photos), our Elders Quorum President - and 3 others. I don't even think our Bishopric was there.
Once again I am left puzzled over my school - love it - but hate it.
Now - I am about to turn 20 here in a few months and all I want to do is go back to teddy bears and cake! 
I even took a little time to do a little running outside yesterday. It feels great to workout outside in the sunshine. I hope there is much more of that going on in the next few months!
A few weeks ago my parents made a quick trip up to Provo. And by quick I literally mean up and back. They came up for a Phi Kappa Phi Banquet honoring my brother for graduating in the top 10% of his class. Yeah, Derek is a genius - in case you didn't already know. Anyway - I just wanted to say congrats to my brother. I am super excited for him that he is graduating. Although I am really sad he will be leaving me here alone!
